J Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has been acquitted in a corruption case – of all charges in the disproportionate assets case filed against her. In the monarchical system of governance the proverb is ‘The King can do no wrong’, it was apparently valid. But in a democracy, the elected representatives at all levels of government are public servants. Even the Prime Minster is accountable to public. When India was ruled by kings, the situation was far better unlike the present scenario which consists of democratically elected ˜representatives.
Nowadays, the sole aim of most of the candidates contesting elections at various levels is to amass wealth at “taxpayers’ hard earned money. Almost every day, politicians are accused of being involved in scams or having assets far beyond their known sources of income. In most cases, due to ˜lack of evidence or evidence that is suppressed with money and power” – no politician is found guilty and eventually given a free chit by the courts. As a result they roam around fearlessly?
Will ever a day come in present political scenario when true evidence will reach to Courts and politicians will be punished as per law of the land or are they really honest and cases against them are always wrong?
Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi
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Inviolable rights
The people’s edit “Earthquakes: Misdeeds of Mankind” by Asif Hussain” (May 14) is very thought-provoking. He dwells on the scientific causes of an earthquake and also highlights the role of human evil as an invitation to such catastrophes. Undoubtedly, man’s wanton plundering and tampering of earth’s protective cover is bound to be followed by retribution and nemesis. People courting the “tsunami of alcoholism, drug abuse, self-centered material lives, female foeticide, and adultery” unquestionably bring in the wrath of the Almighty.
But questions will always loom on the horizon while answers go a begging. For instance, why did so many innocent children loss their lives in Nepal? Is Kathmandu really worse off than New York, Bangkok and Goa (which is fast turning into a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah?)
Why is only female feticide bad? Why mustn’t every abortion procedure be condemned? Shouldn’t a human being (male or female) be recognized as having the rights of a person – among which are the inviolable right of every innocent being to life?
Life is an enigma. Why we must all suffer and, more importantly, why bad things happen to good people – the answers to all our problems will we been given to understand only beyond the grave!
Dr. Francisco Colaço, Margao
MMC tangle
Five chairpersons in one term is a total disgrace and lack of vision for development from the current councilors in the Margao municipality. The personal interest shown by the councilors for the top post shows their insensitivity towards the betterment for the city.
Margao city has been held for ransom by these councilors for their own benefits and not in the interest of the city. These veteran councilors need to be thrown out in the coming elections just like the MLAs in the last assembly elections.
They are only interested in any new construction coming in their wards in delivering the occupancy certificate only after their satisfaction, councilors never discussed the burning issues like traffic jams, pay parking, sanitation in their meetings . The citizens must show the door for all the ruling councilors in the next election and save our Historic City.
Dixon Vaz, Margao
Cricket diplomacy
Cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan is all set to receive a shot in the arm with the governments of the two countries deciding to go ahead with five bilateral series in eight years. The news should make die-hard cricket aficionados across the world rub their hands in glee and celebrate.
Cricket and other sports ties with Pakistan have taken a backseat ever since the 27/11 Mumbai terror attacks making one wonder whether sports should be mixed with politics. Pakistan’s inability to ruthlessly deal with terrorism of all types has also cast a shadow on Indo-Pak ties. While the revival of cricketing ties augurs well for the game, India should ensure that there is no compromise with Pakistan on matters concerning terrorism.
N J Ravi Chander, Bangalore
